Parramatta Lord Mayor, Cr John Chedid said the report confirmed Parramatta as a major food destination with restaurants and cafes accounting for 59% of all the City’s night time sales last year – driven by a 17.8% increase in the number of food outlets in the City.
The Australian Night Time Economy – a first analysis report by the National Local Government Drug and Alcohol Committee indicated that Parramatta’s night economy grew by 6.2% from 2009 to 2011.
Lord Mayor of Parramatta, Cr John Chedid said this growth in Parramatta’s night time sales revenue surpassed all local government areas (LGAs), including Sydney CBD and Melbourne.
“The findings reflect Parramatta’s position as the driving force behind Australia’s most significant economic region, and a growing entertainment centre for people living and working in Western Sydney,” Cr Chedid said.
“The growth in our night time economy provided an extra 400 jobs in our city, which is a great result for Parramatta.
“These new figures validate the work Council has undertaken to activate key areas of Parramatta. We’re providing residents, visitors and workers a more diverse range of experiences such as food trucks in Church Street Mall, Parramatta Lanes event as part of the Crave Sydney Food Festival and row boats by the River.”
Key statistics for Parramatta’s night time economy:
• Parramatta’s night time economy generated $760 million in 2011 – an increase of $44 million from 2009 and 6.2% in sales revenue.
• Restaurants and cafes account for 59% of all sales revenue.
• Number of food outlets increased by 17.8% (346 outlets in 2009 to 404 in 2011).
• The biggest reduction in sales revenue was in gambling activities, losing $12.5 million.
The Australian Night Time Economy – a first analysis report can be downloaded from the Local Government Alcohol and Drug Network at www.lgadin.gov.au
